InfoShot: Tech philanthropy

The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently releases its Philanthropy 50 list, which documents the 50 biggest donors in the US. This year saw tech’s upper echelons feature prominently – 12 people whose fortunes came from tech made the list in 2014, compared to six in 2013, 2012 and 2010, and four in 2011.

Top of the list was Bill Gates. The world’s richest man donated $1.5 billlion in 2014, continuing his efforts (along with wife Melinda) to help bring people out of poverty. Also giving generously were WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, Napster’s Sean Parker, and GoPro’s Nicholas and Jill Woodman who all donated over half a billion dollars last year. Microsoft’s Paul Allen and Steve Ballmer feature high in the list – donating $400 million between them. Also on the list were Google’s Sergey Brin & Larry Page who together donated over $500 million.

Tech (and Silicon Valley in particular) often struggles with being seen as aloof and disconnected from the real world, so it’s good to see the leaders in the industry being so generous and doing their bit to make a difference.